1. Warm-up writing and discussion: Avdonin and Ryabov, despite their friendships ultimate fallout were extremely united in their initial search for the Romanovs. Describe the steps they took which ultimately led to their discovery. Why did both men feel the need to keep their discovery secret? (What was happening in Russia during this period that made their search potentially dangerous?) READ: “They Couldn’t Take it with Them” What outstanding (final) questions do you have about the Romanovs and this period? (Lucie will collect this)

2. Russian Empire 1721-1917

3. Russian Empire One of the largest empires in world history. Stretched from the Arctic Ocean to the Black Sea and from Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean, extending as far as modern day Alaska (across the Bering Strait).

4. Colonial Empires circa 1800

5. Russian Empire and Russia influenced regions.

6. 125.6 Million subject (1897 census). Large disparity in terms of economics, ethnicity, religion and social class. Heavily rural, feudal society. Serfdom existed until 1861. Multiple dissident elements; rebellions, assassination attempts. Land was ruled by a noble party known as the Boyars until the 17 th century.

7. Tsars of the Russian Empire

8. The Russian Empire Ivan Alexeevich (Ivan V).................1682-1689 (Son of Alexei) Peter Alexeevich (Peter I)...............1682-1725 (a.k.a. Peter the Great) Ekaterina Alexeevna (Catherine I)........1725-1727 Peter Alexeevich (Peter II)..............1727-1730 Anna lvanovna............................1730-1740 Ivan VI..................................1740-1741 Elizaveta Petrovna (Elizabeth I)....... 1741-1762 Peter III...............................1762 ( Catherine II.............................1762-1796 (a.k.a. Catherine the Great) Paul I (Son of Peter III ?)..............1796-1801 Alexander I (Pavlovich)..................1801-1825 (a.k.a. The Blessed) Nicholas I (Pavlovich)...................1825-1855 Alexander II (Nikolaevich)...............1855-1881 (a.k.a. Czar Emancipator) Alexander III (Alexandrovich)............1881-1894 (a.k.a. Czar Peacemaker) Nicholas II (Alexandrovich)..............1894-1917 Source: Treasures of the Czars Education Guide

9. Peter and Ivan Half brothers, Peter I (Peter the Great) and Ivan V were crowned co-czars in a rare joint coronation in 1681. Ivan was 16 and Peter was 10. Sophia, their elder sister, was their Regent and for many years the true leader of Russia.

11. Peter and Ivan In the last decade of Ivan’s life, he was heavily overshadowed by energetic Peter. Sophia lost her influence over the brothers, tried to stage a coup and failed. Ivan V died in 1696.

12. Peter the Great Reigned as leader from 1681-1725 In 1721, was declared “Emperor of all Russia.” Moved the capital from Moscow to more modern St. Petersburg Implemented extreme country-wide cultural reforms to “modernize” Russia

13. Peter the Great “Decree of Succession” 1722, Decree of Succession: – Abolished need for direct paternal descendant to be heir to the thrown. – Heir was to be the will of the Monarch.

14. Religious Reform Peter co-opted the Russian church making it subordinate to the state (because….): – He believed in Royal Absolutism – The church was a wealthy institution – The church otherwise refused to be modernized By 1721, the Church was a complete branch of the Imperial government.

15. Education Reform Peter saw education and broadening the knowledge base of the public as a necessity to moving Russia into the modern. Established well over thirty schools during his reign, including: – 1701: School of Navigation and Maths – 1707: School of Medicine – 1712: School of Engineering – 1724: School of Science Peter also encouraged Nobleman to travel to Western Europe for further education

16. Cultural Reform Peter saw Russia as distinctly “backwards.” The press for cultural reforms created a rift between the older and younger generation in Russia. Peter expected the young and educated to shun Russian traditions and adopt what he considered to be western values. – Beards were shaved off – Western clothes were encouraged – Nobility were expected to hold western style tea parties and social gatherings.